Leiden University strives to accommodate young talent, which is why it does its best to create an inspiring environment for PhD candidates. With the University Training Programme for PhDs, we offer doctoral students a degree programme that is both complete and challenging.

A PhD path is a combination of research and personal development. The University Training Programme for PhDs helps doctoral students further hone the skills and abilities they need. The programme is aimed at developing both transferable skills and research skills. It also provides the option of taking career courses.

The Leiden University staff website offers practical information for our PhD candidates. On this part of the website, the FGGA Graduate School provides detailed time tables for the PhD programme, as well as dedicated pages on:

• Courses and training programmes
• Courses and training programmes (Graduate School FGGA-specific)
• The training & supervision plan
• Role of the supervisor
• Networking, and more.

Graduation

When after four years or more, you have finished your dissertation, it is time to prepare for the defense procedure. The entire procedure leading up to the defence has been extensively described on the staff website. For more information and questions about the preparation for the PhD defence, please contact the Graduate School Office.